I’m honestly not one to put much stock in New Year’s celebrations at large and the end of the year doesn’t mean too much to me.
Well, at large and out in public, it’s just another day – the same 24 hours of work sprinkled with a few breaks then it’s just bedtime.
However, here at home, it just happens to also be my sister’s birthday and possibly the only thing worth acknowledging either.
We usually just lump any observance into Christmas Day morning and heap her gifts into one moment instead of two.
It’s been that way since I could remember and since I’m the eldest sibling, I think I have a better memory.
Our only other observance for the upcoming new year is to sometimes have our own little fireworks display.
That goes back to teenage traditions with our biological father taking us out to the chilly sands at Matagorda Beach to shiver while playing with an assortment of firecrackers.
The tradition was also a nod towards anything similar to what we did on Independence Day.
You know, except less freezing and more humidity and mosquitos!
I think we’d be safe from the insects this year, but, I also know Matagorda Beach has its own surprises.
Still, if memory serves, sometimes we had a surplus of July 4th armaments and made sure to exhaust the supply fully to make room for new explosive material in six months anyway.
Plus, it saved money!
As we got older, we continued the traditions as best we could with everyone’s schedules trying to work in harmony
It’s also easier now that we live in the ETJ and can set off fireworks in our own acreage rather than having our fingers freeze out on the dunes.
This year is a bit of a change-up since my sister is headed back to Bryan before her birthday.
I don’t know if my brother and I will do anything without her – it doesn’t ever feel the same in my book.
But, I’m aware that he might go to a friend’s house and engage in some shenanigans elsewhere.
All that matters to me is that my siblings and other loved ones are safe this year.
There have been too many accidents for my peace of mind and comfort as of late.
Personally, I have a self-imposed rule about going out at night during “party” holidays and actively try to avoid being on the road during them.
It’ll be interesting to see how many subdivision and neighborhood pyrotechnic shows I can see from the back porch this year.
Ushering in a new year amidst loud, shiny, and colorful explosions is definitely a universal experience across the globe and a source of enjoyment for many cultures.
As I get older, I’m just more concerned about safety rather than making the biggest and loudest light show for 15 seconds.
The most important part of my New Year celebrations is always going to be my sister’s birthday and that’s good enough for me.
